England and Wales are officially in draught, after an exceptionally dry two years, with below-average rainfall for 19 of the past 24 months. Groundwater which keeps rivers flowing is close to the lowest levels ever recorded in many regions. Sufficient rain to boost low groundwater and river levels is unlikely in the coming weeks, and it is anticipated that there would be a severe drought in spring and summer this year, like 1976 heatwave. As a result, seven water supply companies in South England, including Thames Water which covers greater London, are bringing in ‘hosepipe ban‘ from April 5. During the hosepipe ban, it will be prohibited to draw water through a hosepipe or similar equipment, or fill or maintain a domestic swimming pool, paddling pool or ornamental fountain, and offenders could be fined up to £1,000.

At the same time, Thames Water is criticized its slowness in repairing pre-historic Victorian pipe (see my past entry), leaking and waisting millions of litres a day, to make the situation worse (Daily Mail article).